Injured players making progress - Castellacci

Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci says all three injury worries are 'making progress' ahead of the semi-final against Germany.

Midfielder Daniele De Rossi had earlier revealed that he was 'not optimistic' of shrugging off a back problem sustained in the quarter-final win over England, but he has certainly not been ruled out as yet. Full-back Ignazio Abate picked up a muscle problem in his left leg in the same match, while Giorgio Chiellini had missed the last-eight win after suffering a thigh injury in the 2-0 Group C win over the Republic of Ireland. However, all three players will be given as long as possible to prove their fitness and they are improving with treatment. Castellacci said: "All three are making progress and we will do everything possible, right down to the last minute, to make them available." Abate's replacement against England, Christian Maggio, will definitely not be available though as he picked up his second yellow card of the tournament and is suspended for the last-four clash.